The name derives from the Berber kingdom. It is a strict Islamic state and part of the Arab world. It is said to have poor human rights and slavery still exists.

It is a poor country with natural resources including iron ore and oil. Once a Roman prince which flourished in the seventh century. In the 1600’s it was invaded by Yemeni Maquil Arabs.

Not a common cruise port. You will need a Yellow Fever certificate and not wish to use many toilets. Don’t take local money out of the country.

Senegal nearly surrounds its neighbouring Gambia. French and a local version of African French are spoken. Mining, agriculture and fishing are the main trades, tourism is building.

Name comes from the Senegal River, a Portuguese derivation of other words derived from a word for Canoe. ‘Sunuu Gall’. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the empires to the east; including the Jolof Empire of Senegal.

Dakar

Portuguese arrived here in 1455. British took over in 1765. 1965 it gained independence and since then there have been a few changes of power. Gambia has been part of the Economic Community of West Africa and the language is English. You will find English ex pats there and others with holiday beach homes.

The Port of Banjul is located on the estuary of the River Gambia. Ships do stop here including Azamara and Seabourn. We have friends with properties here. It is a holiday area.

Guinea is a French speaking African nation. It is a container port.

Tokeh is about 20 miles from the Sierra Leone capital of Freetown. Said to be an undiscovered gem, about seven ships stopped here in 2024 inc the Silver Wind

Aberdeen is the coastal side of Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown. Sierra Leone is said to be an undiscovered gem, about seven ships stopped here in 2024 including the Silver Wind

Liberia was the first African republic to proclaim its independence and is Africa’s first and oldest modern republic. They have a container dock, few cruise ships stop here.

Ships dock in the Vridi Canal. Abidjan City is the economic centre of the Ivory Coast and smaller adjacent inland countries.

A major busy city with a busy harbour, and great beaches.

Flag and in brief

Flag and in brief

Equatorial Guinea is a small Central African country comprising the Rio Muni mainland and 5 volcanic offshore islands. WE know of no tours or ships stopping there.

But the island off the coast, São Tomé is on a number of regular routes including NCL.

São Tomé is an island republic off the Africa Coast founded in the 15th century, it is one of Africa’s oldest colonial cities. (Portuguese for St Thomas)

Flag and in brief

Gabon’s original people were Pygmy people, Bantu immigrants arrived in the 14th Century (now 95% of the population) and it was known as a French Republic until its independence in 1960. Language is still French.

It is an example of how figures can cast strange results, because it is one of the wealthiest African nations in terms of per capita income, but, many are very poor.